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Arson

by ¡FIASCO!

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Pat Rainey
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Pat Rainey This album is one of my favourites this year, next to tētēmas "necroscape". If you dig experimental jazz you will definitely enjoy this! The only thing that bothers me is that this combo doesn't get more credit! Keep it up guys! Favorite track: Setting In Motian.
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Recidivism 06:02
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Arson 06:49
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Cost of Lies 05:00
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about

Washington DC-based ¡FIASCO! began as a collaboration between saxophonist Andrew Frankhouse and guitarist Nelson Dougherty in 2016. The group was first assembled in quintet format with a two-tenor front line, to perform a pair of concerts honoring Paul Motian at the historic Twins Jazz Club in Washington. After an enthusiastically received initial run, the group expanded its repertoire inspired by a variety of sounds including droning folk songs, jittery hip-hop grooves, teenage garage rock, and a variety of electronic and synthesized sounds.

‘Arson’, the group’s first studio recording, forms part one of a musical diptych slated for 2020-21. It was named the top DC jazz record of 2020 by CapitolBop, and it's release and reception culminated in the group's performance at the 2020 DC Jazz Festival.

Guitarist Nelson Dougherty, who pens most of the compositions, demonstrates a mastery of the guitar itself as a vertical, textural phenomenon, as well as the possibilities presented by electronics and effects. His prowess here rewards repeated listening for hidden nuances and layers, and the overlap of lead and accompaniment.

Saxophonist Andrew Frankhouse provides the lead voice on most of the recording, with a sound focused and penetrating, warm and sensitive, and sometimes screaming and breaking up. Augmenting his tenor with electronics allows him to play a textural role unusual for a horn, often layering further upon Dougherty’s guitar, leaving the listener wondering which sounds come from whom.

Stephen Arnold’s electric bass provides a rock and roll urgency, with a keen ear for groove. Not satisfied to simply play a role, Arnold’s sound and articulation fit the needs of each composition, sometimes deep and woody, others with a punk rock distortion, pick attack, and attitude.

Drummer Keith Butler provides a breath and life to the music, attentive to the spirit the moment, patient where necessary but never afraid to play the role of bomb-thrower. He is equally adept at generating a flurry of activity without overplaying and knowing when the moment requires a single note, or nothing at all.

Drawing upon and subverting many sources and traditions, ¡FIASCO! explores a wide spectrum of sound, and their musicianship and range demands the audience and the band to keep their ears open, through near-silences and plaintive moments, and the screams, crashes, swirling delays, and dizzying obfuscations.

credits

released January 17, 2020

Nelson Dougherty - guitar
Andrew Frankhouse - saxophone
Stephen Arnold - bass guitar
Keith Butler Jr. - drums

Tracked by Jack Kilby at Crab Shack Studios
Mixed/Mastered by Mike Pope at Vatican City Sound

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¡FIASCO! Washington, D.C.

In 2023 ¡FIASCO! joined the Unit Records roster and will release its first recording in nearly three years, “Anger Artist” in January 2024. Recorded live with instruments, amps, drums, electronics, and bodies in a single room, the music and musicians fill the sonic space, breathing together in ways unobtainable through headphones and iso booths. ... more

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